Simeone praises Costa but agrees with striker's sending off
"Diego gives us speed, another attacking option and the fear factor... he scares people," the Atlético boss said after Costa's stage-stealing Liga debut.
Atlético Madrid boss Diego Simeone spoke after his side’s fractious 2-0 victory over Getafe in the Metropolitano where Diego Costa, making his second Liga debut for the club, stole the show with a series of robust challenges, a goal and a red card after jumping into the stands to celebrate with fans.
Victory: “We knew Getafe are an opponent that work very well defensively, they’re a tough side at the back and we were able to break them down in a good way.”
Costa red card: “I’d prefer to concentrate on the good things that Costa did. The referee doesn’t have the room to interpret the emotional side. The rules are the rules but he was there to score an important goal. The sending off was correct because he went over to celebrate with the fans and you have to accept the rules for the next game. Diego Costa gives us speed, an extra attacking option and the fear factor… he scares people.”
Simeone: "We're only thinking about the next game"
10 cards in the game: “It was a difficult game for the referee: the pitch was wet, there was a lot of intensity… he tried to officiate in the best way posible and it’s for you to judge. We’ll start to think about the Copa game now.”
Objectives: “To continue on the same line, with a greater attacking power because Costa makes our attack stronger and Vitolo does the same in the transition. We’re excited and looking forward to the Copa.”
Chances of knocking Barcelona off the top: “We are relaxed knowing that our path is always the same; we’re only thinking about the next game.”
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